Arm Chair GM: a Patriots-like Draft & Offseason

[FalconsIn2012]

Outside of the Trent Brown signing, I tried to be frugal and meet both current needs and future ones.  

Objective: Trench Warfare

LEAVING:

• Cuts: Schraeder, Alford, Fusco, Bryant (unfortunate), Harris & Reed.

Savings: $32,000,000 (this includes the 4 million in savings from Beasley’s extension)

CAP Room: $32,000,000 + $26,000,000 = $58,000,000

 

• FRANCHISE TAG: Grady Jarrett - $15,250,000

 

ADDITIONS:

 

• FA: Trenton Brown (5 years, 65 million) - at 6’8 and 380 lbs, this behemoth has the athleticism to play in the ZBS and flat out maul his opponent in short yardage situations.  What he did to KC’s edge rushers was a marvel.  To afford Brown, Mack will be cut in 2020 and his $11 million will go to Brown.

•  FA: Quinton Spain - OG (3 years, 12 million).  Was a solid B player until a shoulder injury derailed his season.  Physical and mean, he will fit nicely between Mack and Matthews and is good value 

•  FA: Levine Toilolo (3 years, 6 million) - Next to Brown would make pass blocking on the right side elite.  Graded as best blocking TE in NFL last year.

• Sign Ty Sambrailo: 2 years, 3.5 mill

• Sign Beasley to 3 year 24 million dollar contract

•  Sign Bruce Irvin to 3 years 21 million.  Had an impact on Beasley and got 3.5 sacks in his last 4 games

• Julio extension will reduce CAP this year but I have no clue what it will look like

•  Get the Italian Stalion signed for 2 years, $3.5 million.  He can handle Bryant’s role

 

DRAFT:

• 1st Round (#14): Falcons have a few holes that must be met via the draft.  The trade gives us a better chance with more options.  Oakland gets the 14th pick and Falcons receive Oakland’s  #24 & #35

 

•1st  Round:  Greedy Williams - CB LSU: too tempting to pass up at #24.  Signals the end for Alford this year & Trufant next year if Oliver progresses.  This is a BPA selection

   

•  2nd Round: Dexter Lawrence- DT       Clemson:  meets an immediate need for a run stuffing DT next to Grady.  Most mocks have him bottom of 1st, I hope he drops a few slots

 

• 2nd Round: Chris Lindstrom - OG Boston College.  Another BPA.  If still there you have to jump on it.  Perfect for ZBS

 

• 3rd Round:  Chris Smith - LB USC: team leader, smart and very athletic for his size. Great with pre snap reads.  Effective on the blitz.  Team captain 2 years and voted MVP twice.

 

• 4th Round:  Elijah Holyfield - RB - UGA:

A physical runner to pick up tough yards behind Mack & Spain

 

• 4th Round (comp pick): Anthony Nelson - DE/DT  - Iowa:

 Nelson recorded 45 tackles with 13.5 for a loss, 9.5 sacks and one pass batted in 2018. He was a solid edge rusher for the Hawkeyes and contributed to them having a tough defensive line on the other side from the talented A.J. Epenes

 

• 5th Round: Lamont Gilliard -  C/OG  UGA

 Mack’s replacement in 2021

 

• 5th Round: Terry Goodwin - WR/KR - UGA:

Legit 4.3 speed wiith good hands and solid route runner.  Has impressed at the Senior Bowl.  Chaney, UGA OC had no clue how to utilize the 5 star speedster.  Will be a better pro than college player

Edited January 26, 2019 by Falconsin2012

[kiwifalcon]

Tavecchio is already signed for this season.You don’t need to spend 3.5 on him.

Trent Brown I wouldn’t pay that guy money I’d draft his replacement.

I also think they will give Fusco a prove it year.Drafting Lindstrom behind him isn’t a bad move he looks good.

Same with Toilolo I’d be offering him a 1 year deal not 3.1 yard gives me flexibility as he’s only a role player not key and I would offer him the same sought of deal Detroit offered 1 year at 1.5 mill and save the cash.

It could be argued the biggest hole on the dline right now is a Base end to replace Shelby against the run.

My starting interior tomorrow is Senat and Jarrett.Theres plenty of guys that can be drafted that can come in and provide size and depth behind these guys.Saunders Mack and Gaines are 3 l like.

If your cutting Mack next year I’d be also looking at Elgton Jenkins this guy is a block of granite and going up against one of the best all round DTs in Simmons at MSU has him well prepared for the NFL.

[FalconsIn2012]

6 minutes ago, kiwifalcon said:

Tavecchio is already signed for this season.You don’t need to spend 3.5 on him.

Trent Brown I wouldn’t pay that guy money I’d draft his replacement.

I also think they will give Fusco a prove it year.Drafting Lindstrom behind him isn’t a bad move he looks good.

It could be argued the biggest hole on the dline right now is a Base end to replace Shelby against the run.

My starting interior tomorrow is Senat and Jarrett.Theres plenty of guys that can be drafted that can come in and provide size and depth behind these guys.Saunders Mack and Gaines are 3 l like.

If your cutting Mack next year I’d be also looking at Elgton Jenkins this guy is a block of granite and going up against one of the best all round DTs in Simmons at MSU has him well prepared for the NFL.

Good insight.  Curious why not pay Trent?  He was a top 10 RT in the ZBS in SF and top 5 LT this year. 

I suspect TATF loves Senat more than Quinn.  His DNP vs New Orleans was telling.  

Edited January 26, 2019 by Falconsin2012

[kiwifalcon]

1 minute ago, Falconsin2012 said:

Good insight.  Curious why not pay Trent?  He was a top 10 RT in the ZBS in SF and top 5 this year. 

Because I need to get a lot younger and I want to be able to have the flexibility going foward to resign Debo Neal and Jarrett.Exposing another big contract to the equation goes against that.

I got to balance my spending.

At the moment it looks like we aren’t investing enough in our defense I see that has to change if we want to stay a contender.

[FalconsIn2012]

1 minute ago, kiwifalcon said:

Because I need to get a lot younger and I want to be able to have the flexibility going foward to resign Debo Neal and Jarrett.Exposing another big contract to the equation goes against that.

I got to balance my spending.

At the moment it looks like we aren’t investing enough in our defense I see that has to change if we want to stay a contender.

Trent Brown is 25 years old

My plan was always to cut Mack next year and his salary goes to Brown.

Edited January 26, 2019 by Falconsin2012

[kiwifalcon]

3 minutes ago, Falconsin2012 said:

Trent Brown is 25 years old

My plan was always to cut Mack next year and his salary goes to Brown.

I’m a wait and see on Mack but at some point we have to be able to draft these replacements.You know the old adage that his thing isn’t won in FA.I see plenty of options that can be had but I just don’t see Brown as being on the radar for us.

To be honest I never even looked or thought of him.

Costs you know even if Mack is let go next off season whose to say a Matt Ryan or Julio Jones contracts haven’t already eaten that money up.Just don’t know enough financially to seeing another viable contract like Browns fitting on the books.

Jarretts next anyways.

[FalconFanSince1970]

I like it. Your first two picks might be gone though. You might have to take Lawrence with #24 then a Kris Boyd or DeAndre Baker with #35, if they're still there. Both can play. That would be a solid offseason.

[FalconsIn2012]

1 minute ago, kiwifalcon said:

I’m a wait and see on Mack but at some point we have to be able to draft these replacements.You know the old adage that his thing isn’t won in FA.I see plenty of options that can be had but I just don’t see Brown as being on the radar for us.

To be honest I never even looked or thought of him.

Costs you know even if Mack is let go next off season whose to say a Matt Ryan or Julio Jones contracts haven’t already eaten that money up.Just don’t know enough financially to seeing another viable contract like Browns fitting on the books.

Jarretts next anyways.

LB Franchise Tag is up to $15,000,000...so it’s looking like Debo will be well paid as well.  I believe Debo is more valuable than Jarrett.  That’s why I said to draft Oliver & let Grady walk

[FalconsIn2012]

3 minutes ago, FalconFanSince1970 said:

I like it. Your first two picks might be gone though. You might have to take Lawrence with #24 then a Kris Boyd or DeAndre Baker with #35, if they're still there. Both can play. That would be a solid offseason.

I agree on Greedy.  For some reason he and Oliver keep dropping in recent mocks.  Baker I’d love, but he is still projected top -12.   Lawrence I think will be there at #35.  

Edited January 26, 2019 by Falconsin2012

[kiwifalcon]

4 minutes ago, Falconsin2012 said:

LB Franchise Tag is up to $15,000,000...so it’s looking like Debo will be well paid as well.  I believe Debo is more valuable than Jarrett.  That’s why I said to draft Oliver & let Grady walk

I’d be disappointed if we did that and that’s no disrespecting Oliver because I believe Jarrett is right on the cusp of being that important to this team upfront.

Why not have both Oliver and Jarrett and then add some size in the 3rd or 4th round.

See I don’t necessarily think we need to go DT early because of the depth at the position.Oline wise is a different story in my eyes with the talent being no where near as deep I think it’s crucial we hit that spot early.

Beasley and Irvin would hit the road in this scenario if we are to make that choice not Jarrett.

[FalconsIn2012]

Just now, kiwifalcon said:

I’d be disappointed if we did that and that’s no disrespecting Oliver because I believe Jarrett is right on the cusp of being that important to this team upfront.

Why not have both Oliver and Jarrett and then add some size in the 3rd or 4th round.

See I don’t necessarily think we need to go DT early because of the depth at the position.Oline wise is a different story in my eyes with the talent being no where near as deep I think it’s crucial we hit that spot early.

Initially I tagged Jarrett and drafted Oliver.  But aren’t they the same player?  Both dominant vs the run and good vs the pass

[FalconFanSince1970]

Just now, Falconsin2012 said:

I agree on Greedy.  For some reason he and Oliver keep dropping in recent mocks.  Lawrence I think will be there at #35.  

Greedy dropped five slots from #3 to #8 on Draftek's most recent big board. CBs on his level are coveted. He's considered the best in this class. I expect him to be long gone by #24. Lawrence may even be gone by then. I've seen him mocked to us at #14 in several recent mocks. He's really the only decent 1T out there. A team with a hole at 1T like us could take him before #24 but I think he'll still be there.

[FalconFanSince1970]

4 minutes ago, kiwifalcon said:

I’d be disappointed if we did that and that’s no disrespecting Oliver because I believe Jarrett is right on the cusp of being that important to this team upfront.

Why not have both Oliver and Jarrett and then add some size in the 3rd or 4th round.

See I don’t necessarily think we need to go DT early because of the depth at the position.Oline wise is a different story in my eyes with the talent being no where near as deep I think it’s crucial we hit that spot early.

Beasley and Irvin would hit the road in this scenario if we are to make that choice not Jarrett.

Hit that spot real early. Like in free agency. Don't screw around with that position. Spend the freakin money. An NCAA rookie boy will likely get his as handed to him for at least two years. 

[FalconsIn2012]

4 minutes ago, FalconFanSince1970 said:

Greedy dropped five slots from #3 to #8 on Draftek's most recent big board. CBs on his level are coveted. He's considered the best in this class. I expect him to be long gone by #24. Lawrence may even be gone by then. I've seen him mocked to us at #14 in several recent mocks. He's really the only decent 1T out there. A team with a hole at 1T like us could take him before #24 but I think he'll still be there.

Walterfootball and I believe CBS mock him to Eagles

image: http://walterfootball.com/images/fball/eaglesb_logo.gif

 Philadelphia Eagles: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU 

image: http://walterfootball.com/college/LSU_logo.gif

 
If you've watched a single game of the Eagles this year, you know they need cornerback help. They've been torched by every single quarterback they've played, as their secondary has been an abomination sorely in need of help. 

Greedy Williams had a spectacular freshman season with six interceptions. Williams has great size (6-2, 182) and quickness, and he has top-10 upside
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/draft2019_1.php#7lHLeXZZdM4BGQEM.99

 

They both also mock Lawrence to KC at #29.  It’s why I was willing to move down a bit. 

Edited January 26, 2019 by Falconsin2012

[FalconsIn2012]

5 minutes ago, FalconFanSince1970 said:

Hit that spot real early. Like in free agency. Don't screw around with that position. Spend the freakin money. An NCAA rookie boy will likely get his as handed to him for at least two years. 

It’s my concern too.  That’s why I want Spain & Brown in FA

Edited January 26, 2019 by Falconsin2012

[kiwifalcon]

7 minutes ago, Falconsin2012 said:

Initially I tagged Jarrett and drafted Oliver.  But aren’t they the same player?  Both dominant vs the run and good vs the pass

No I haven’t seen enough of Oliver to suggest he’ll be anything like Jarrett at the next level.Jarrett all day right now if I were to make the choice.You take Jarrett out of the Falcons interior,we would be in alot of trouble.

[FalconsIn2012]

1 minute ago, kiwifalcon said:

No I haven’t seen enough of Oliver to suggest he’ll be anything like Jarrett at the next level.Jarrett all day right now if I were to make the choice.You take Jarrett out of the Falcons interior,we would be in alot of trouble.

If forced to keep Grady or Debo, what’s your call?

[FalconFanSince1970]

4 minutes ago, Falconsin2012 said:

Walterfootball and I believe CBS mock him to Eagles

image: http://walterfootball.com/images/fball/eaglesb_logo.gif

 Philadelphia Eagles: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU 

image: http://walterfootball.com/college/LSU_logo.gif

 
If you've watched a single game of the Eagles this year, you know they need cornerback help. They've been torched by every single quarterback they've played, as their secondary has been an abomination sorely in need of help. 

Greedy Williams had a spectacular freshman season with six interceptions. Williams has great size (6-2, 182) and quickness, and he has top-10 upside
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/draft2019_1.php#7lHLeXZZdM4BGQEM.99

Draftek mocks him at #4. Trapasso mocks him at #5. Wilson mocks him at #7. Draftsite mocks him at #13. I'll be shocked if he drops to #24.

[kiwifalcon]

Grady Jarrett against grown men pay this man.

[FalconsIn2012]

1 minute ago, FalconFanSince1970 said:

Draftek mocks him at #4. Trapasso mocks him at #5. Wilson mocks him at #7. Draftsite mocks him at #13. I'll be shocked if he drops to #24.

What’s the best source for draft info?  Odd to see such disparity.  

I’d be thrilled with either Greedy or Baker at #24.  Baker actually graded out much better last year than Greedy.

What direction would you go with #35?

[kiwifalcon]

8 minutes ago, Falconsin2012 said:

If forced to keep Grady or Debo, what’s your call?

There’s no call to be made in my eyes I’m keeping both of them as I see both as important to the defense.

1A and 1B.

[FalconsIn2012]

Just now, kiwifalcon said:

Grady Jarrett against grown men pay this man.

No doubt he is a beast.  His surge in sacks late in the year moved him from a $12 million guy to an 18 million guy.  Cox is now the comp on him

[FalconsIn2012]

3 minutes ago, kiwifalcon said:

There’s no call to be made in my eyes I’m keeping both of them as I see both as important to the defense.

1A and 1B.

They are...but can’t pay Matthews, Mack, Ryan, Jones, Jarrett, Debo, Trufant & Neal 12 million or more

Edited January 26, 2019 by Falconsin2012

[TheDirtyWordII]

Jon Gruden better be prepared for blowback on that deal.  Trade Khalil Mack so you can trade up from 24 to 14...?  Yikes...especially when they cede 190 of DVC points.

Beasley will never sign that deal and I certainly still don’t like the assumption on Mack.  Guy is in Orlando this week for a reason.

[FalconFanSince1970]

25 minutes ago, Falconsin2012 said:

What’s the best source for draft info?  Odd to see such disparity.  

I’d be thrilled with either Greedy or Baker at #24.  Baker actually graded out much better last year than Greedy.

What direction would you go with #35?

I love Draftek's format but there are many sources. They seem to keep theirs updated frequently. They also participate in FanSpeak. Draft boards are pretty fluid. They will change again next week after today's game. Then after the combine. Again after pro days. Plus it's a crap shoot that never plays out as predicted. Too many moving parts.

I'm thinking in your scenario you're gonna have to take Lawrence at #24. I don't think he'll make it to #35 unless he screws up at the combine. I don't think Baker will either but there's a slight possibility. If not, take Kris Boyd if he's there and you still want a corner. I don't think there's a huge drop off from Baker to Boyd. Kris Boyd is playing right now if you want to tune in.